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HEAD rolls out revolutionary racquet technology
April 2005 -- PHOENIX – HEAD Racquet Sports introduces Flexpoint, a new tennis racquet technology that equips players of all levels with the previously elusive combination of control and power.
By altering the construction of the racquet frame, HEAD has created a racquet that flexes in a new and revolutionary way.
Two small holes located at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions of the frame are cradled within dimples to create a precisely engineered “flexpoint,” via sectional flexibility, when the ball makes contact with the strings. The racquet cups the ball to ensure it leaves the strings at exactly the angle intended. This produces control like never before, but not at the expense of power.
“Flexpoint is really a breakthrough technology because it breaks the recent trend of making a racquet stiffer and stiffer for more power,” said Greg Mason, director of marketing and pro specialty sales for HEAD.
“In survey after survey, players state their biggest need is for more control and this is the first technology to truly address the need for control with no loss of power,” Mason said. “In our numerous play tests, our pro players were able to describe the ‘feel’ or ‘touch’ they had with the new racquets.
“While many average consumers may not be able to articulate ‘dwell time’ or ‘ball pocket,’ they are able to state they are ‘playing better’ or ‘getting more shots in,’” Mason continued. “That is the real testimonial to the technology; it helps the player improve their game with more control while not sacrificing anything from the rest of their game.”
“There is no racquet technology that will make a 3.0 player into a 5.0 player,” said David T. Porter, Ed.D, USPTA president and Master Professional. “But I can tell you this, HEAD Flexpoint technology will make a bad player good and a good player better. The ball stays on the strings longer and, as a result, improves control without any loss of power. I have hit with each of the five (HEAD) frames and believe that this racquet technology is the most advanced to date. It will be an asset in player development and the hottest seller in pro shops.”
HEAD will introduce two Flexpoint racquets that will be available in pro/specialty and sporting goods stores in the spring of 2005:
Flexpoint 6
- Added control in a proven power racquet. Designed for players with a moderate swing style.
- Available in two head sizes: Mid Plus (102 square inches) and Oversize (112 square inches).
- SRP: $250
Flexpoint Radical
- Hottest new racquet on tour. Andre Agassi and Juan Carlos Ferrero’s new weapon of choice. Designed for players with a long, fast swing.
- Available in three head sizes: Oversize (107 square inches), Mid Plus (98 square inches) and Mid Plus Tour (100 square inches).
- SRP: $200
Agassi and Ferrero, HEAD professional players, were instrumental throughout the development process and their feedback was extremely valuable in constructing and designing the new racquets. Both champion players reported very positive results.
“HEAD Flexpoint exceeded all my expectations,” said Agassi. “The power is incredible and I still have better control over the ball – even in extreme situations.”
Ferrero, HEAD’s newest professional player, had a similar reaction: “I never thought that two small holes could change everything, but it’s true. Every ball contact feels stable and more solid.”
Flexpoint racquets are powered by Liquidmetal technology, the only material that utilizes all the energy generated by a player’s swing.
HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports is a division of HEAD NV, which owns such premier sporting goods brands as HEAD (tennis, racquetball, and squash racquets; alpine skis and boots; snowboards, bindings and boots; athletic and outdoor footwear; accessories and apparel), Penn (tennis balls and racquetball balls), Tyrolia (ski bindings), Mares and Dacor (both scuba diving equipment).
HEAD, manufacturer of the world’s best-selling new tennis technology, Liquidmetal, is the No. 1-selling tennis racquet brand in Europe and No. 2 worldwide. Penn is the only tennis ball manufactured in the United States and holds the status of America’s No.1-selling tennis ball and the World’s No. 1-selling racquetball. Pro Penn tennis balls have been the official ball of the USPTA since 1973. For more information, visit www.head.com.
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